Discover Tailor-Made Belize Vacations

The dry season in Belize generally runs from November to May and tends to be the most popular time to visit. Prices may be higher during this season and tourist spots may be more crowded, but the dry season is ideal for beach days and diving activities. Visitors during this time of year can also take part in Christmas, New Year and Easter festiviries, although travel during these times should be booked well in advance. For a cultural treat, visitors can take in the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations held on November 19.

The green season in Belize runs from June to October, when travel prices tend to be lower and tourist crowds are thinner. Intermittent rain is common, but downpours tend to be sudden and brief. Nature buffs will enjoy seeing the rainforests at their lushest. 

For more on planning your trip to Belize, check out our guide to the Best Time to Visit.

Its heritage is celebrated in daily life—from the beat of Garifuna drums along the coast to the quiet reverence of Mayan ruins deep within the jungle. As Central America’s only English-speaking nation, Belize bridges worlds through its linguistic diversity, with Spanish, Kriol, and several Mayan languages woven into the everyday melody of conversation.

The country’s cultural calendar reflects its spirited unity. Garifuna Settlement Day in November fills the air with drumming, dance, and storytelling, honouring the Garifuna people’s resilience. The San Pedro Lobster Festival bursts with music and flavour, while colourful carnivals animate Belize City’s streets. Art thrives in murals, textiles, and carvings that capture the country’s landscapes and layered history, offering visitors a window into Belize’s creative heart.

Socially, Belizeans are known for their friendliness and ease. A warm handshake or a smile opens most conversations, and casual dining and lively street gatherings are part of daily life. Public drinking is accepted, but moderation and respect are expected. Sports, especially football and basketball, bring communities together in celebration and camaraderie.

Visitors quickly find that language is no barrier—English is universal, but a simple “weh di goan?” in Kriol or “buenos días” in Spanish earns instant smiles. Whether joining a drumming circle, exploring a Mayan temple, or sharing laughter over fresh seafood, travellers in Belize discover that its true beauty lies in its people—their openness, rhythm, and shared pride in a culture as vibrant as the land itself.

The country’s culinary traditions blend Mayan, Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole, and Caribbean influences, resulting in flavours that are both comforting and adventurous. Whether dining in a beachside café or a bustling market stall, food in Belize celebrates freshness, simplicity, and a shared joy of eating.

The nation’s most beloved dish—rice and beans cooked in coconut milk and served with stewed chicken—captures the essence of home-style Belizean cooking. Along the coast, the air is rich with the aroma of seafood: conch ceviche dressed in lime and herbs, or fish serre, a creamy coconut stew with hints of garlic and spice. Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple lend their sweetness to meals and drinks alike, perfectly paired with a chilled Belikin beer or a bright, rum-laced Panty Ripper cocktail.

Dining in Belize is relaxed and sociable. Meals are shared with laughter, conversation, and a sense of gratitude. Toasting before a drink, using utensils at the table, and thanking your host are gestures of respect and warmth. Most restaurants now cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, though options for Halal or Kosher travellers remain limited.

Eating out is as varied as Belize itself—street food plates for a few dollars, seaside grills serving freshly caught lobster, or elegant restaurants offering refined takes on local classics. No matter where you dine, the flavours of Belize invite you to slow down, savour, and experience the country’s vibrant heart through its food.

The cost of a trip depends largely on the season, style of travel, and the experiences you wish to include—but no matter how you travel, Belize offers exceptional value for its mix of tropical beauty and cultural depth.

A seven to ten-day visit typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500 USD per person, excluding international flights and accommodation. Those opting for an all-inclusive experience—combining meals, excursions, and transfers—can expect to spend around $2,000 to $3,500 USD. Round-trip airfares to Belize range from $400 to $800 USD, with advance bookings often yielding the best rates.

Belize’s best-loved destinations include Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, where white-sand beaches, marine adventures, and island charm set the tone for a quintessential Caribbean escape. Inland, the rainforests of San Ignacio reveal ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant wildlife, while Placencia offers family-friendly resorts and calm, swimmable shores.

Packing light is key: bring breathable clothing, sturdy sandals, insect repellent, and adapters for Type B and G plugs. The dry season (December to May) is perfect for outdoor exploration, while the wetter months (June to November) bring lush greenery and fewer crowds. Tap water should be avoided—opt for bottled or filtered instead—and tipping around 10–15% is customary for good service.

Belize is regarded as safe and welcoming, including to LGBTQ+ visitors, especially in tourist hubs. Visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for 30 days. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Belize’s balance of nature, adventure, and hospitality makes every journey unforgettable.